Made in the Shade - Karen Pourbabaee “The Lord is your guardian; the Lord is your shade on your right hand.” Psalm 121:5 NAB
There was an early 20th century children’s rhyme about an old maid who made lemonade in the shade for a relaxing bear living the good life, having it made in the shade. The popular expression, made in the shade, defined is “to be in a state of comfort, success, or general well-being; to be set for life.” Though shade indicates comparative darkness, it is also the Biblical symbol for protection. The Lord has promised to be our shade, so near that He is at our right hand.
Psalm 16 continues that theme of protection: “I keep the Lord always before me; with the Lord at my right, I shall never be shaken. Therefore, my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; my body also dwells secure. For you will not abandon me to Sheol, nor let Your faithful servant see the pit. You will show me the path to life, abounding joy in Your presence, the delights at Your right hand forever.” (Psalm 16: 8-11 NAB) The Lord is always near, but we must keep Him ever before us, be cognizant of His presence, remain in His shade. See what the Lord has promised us! We can trade anxiety, worry, and fear for gladness and joy. We don’t have to fear abandonment, but can dwell in security. Wandering aimlessly in life doesn’t have to be our destiny, for God says he will show us the path to life.
Psalm 16 seems like an idyllic picture of general well-being, of being set for life. Listen for His presence. Take the lemonade, aka Living Water. You can be like that relaxing bear under the tree, living the good life. The Lord is at your right hand. You have it made in the shade.
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